S. Korean climber dies in fall on Switzerland's Matterhorn

GENEVA (AP) — Swiss police say a South Korean mountain climber has died following a fall during a climb on the famed Matterhorn peak.

The climber, who was not identified, had decided to split up from a fellow South Korean who was also ascending the mountain and return toward the base. Officials say during his descent Tuesday, at a height of about 3,700 meters (12,140 feet), the climber fell about 200 meters to his death. The other climber was retrieved by helicopter.

Valais regional police said Wednesday that an investigation into the death was underway. It marked the seventh climber death on the Matterhorn this year.

The Matterhorn, whose peak is 4,478 meters (14,692 feet) above sea level, is one of the highest and most famous peaks in the Alps.

FILE - This July 13, 2005 file photo shows a view of the Matterhorn from Zermatt, Switzerland. Swiss police on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019 say a South Korean mountain climber has died following a fall during a climb on the famed Matterhorn peak. The climber, who was not identified, had decided to split up from a fellow South Korean who was also ascending the mountain and return toward the base. (AP Photo/Randall Hackley, file)